Dane Brugler thinks one Bucs draft pick could surprise folks

When Dane Brugler highlights a Day 3 player, I pay attention, especially when it comes from a full post-draft evaluation. In his review from The Athletic, Brugler pointed to one Tampa Bay Buccaneers pick as a potential surprise.

That player is Keionte Scott, who Tampa Bay selected on Day 3 after a draft slide tied more to role fit than talent.

Brugler described Scott as an attacking downhill nickel with a physical profile that plays closer to a linebacker than a traditional corner, noting that his competitive play style could make it difficult to keep him off the field. That evaluation lines up with how Todd Bowles has historically used defensive backs who can operate in space while still holding up against the run.

The production supports that role. In 2025 at Miami, Scott played 756 total snaps, including 279 in run defense and 390 in coverage. He finished with 51 tackles, 36 defensive stops, and four pass breakups while allowing 39 receptions on 56 targets. His usage also reflects versatility, logging 196 snaps in the box and nearly 500 in the slot.

That type of deployment fits what Tampa Bay looks for in sub-package defenders. Scott may not have a traditional outside corner profile, but his ability to play downhill, handle contact, and stay involved around the ball gives him a clear path to early snaps if the role is defined correctly.

This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Dane Brugler thinks big things are ahead for Keionte Scott